By Arren Joseph-White
Need something to do in the coming months? There are always things going on in Pensacola and the surrounding areas. Here are some activities to keep an eye out for, from November to December. There are also things that you can do year-round. As the weather gets more bearable, be ready to spend some time outside. We could all use it once and a while.
One of the most fascinating things about Pensacola is the variety of events. If you miss things in the cooler months, year-round events are never scarce. Here are some of the things that go on at all times in town that vary in theme and activity:
Palafox Market:
On Saturdays (weather permitting), Plaza Ferdinand and Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza turn into a space for the small businesses of Pensacola to show off their talents. There’s food, art, jewelry, and everything in between. It’s a great way to get out of the house.
Gallery Night:
Every month, Downtown Pensacola turns to a themed wonderland of arts and culture. It offers fun for all ages and immersion into the arts community in town.
Guided and Self-Tours:
Pensacola has plenty of tours you can take; they can be self-guided, such as the Maritime Heritage Trail, or guided by a professional, like the tour of Historic Pensacola.
Downtown Pensacola:
44 blocks of restaurants and small businesses is what makes up the busiest (and sometimes more expensive) part of Pensacola. While it might break the bank, sometimes the experience is worth it for good food and hand-made oddities or trinkets.
Musical Venues:
Almost nightly, places such as Vinyl Music Hall (on South Palafox) or the Handlebar (at 319 N Tarragona) will throw themed parties or have shows of popular artists who tour. There are also places like Pensacola Bay Center or Seville Quarter.
Some things going on in November, from food to film festivals and everything in between:
Foo Foo Festival: Oct. 31st – Nov. 10th
Foo Foo Festival is the annual fall event that takes over downtown with culture of all kinds. Art, music, and Southern flair that makes sure to provide something for everyone and welcomes in the cooler months.
Pensacola Greek Festival: Nov. 7th-9th
Celebrating its 65th year in 2025, the Greek Festival has been a staple for the community for months. Authenticity is the goal; things like food, dancing, and crafts to immerse you in a culture you might not get to experience day-to-day.
Night Moves Festival: Nov. 8th
Part of Foo Foo Festival, Night Moves gives the ability for music-lovers to see local and international names. This year, this year being the festival’s 3rd, welcomes bands Origami Angel and Japanese Breakfast. There are also local names, such as the band Ego Death and the singer/songwriter Katie Dineen.
Coastal Alabama Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival: Nov. 8th-9th
Popular Southern food and well-crafted beer is the name over in Gulf Shores. The 4th year of the event expects to bring in an array of people and vendors to explore the flavors and spices of life.
Curse of the Pharaoh Murder Mystery Dinner Show: Nov. 14th
Seville Quarter is a popular spot in town, and this November they are putting on one of their famous themed dinner shows. Join your fellow partygoers as you follow clues, unlock secrets, and solve mysteries to find out the secret of the pharaoh’s curse.
Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow: Nov. 14th-15th
The Angels are coming home, back to Pensacola for a spectacle that brings people all over to see. With free admission and sights to see everywhere, it’s easily one of Pensacola’s most well-known events.
Fairhope Film Festival: Nov. 13th-16th
Over in Fairhope, Alabama there is a film festival that provides unique, up-and-coming films to enthusiasts and newcomers alike. They turn the spotlight to international films, and they put a focus on the art of making films to present to an eager audience.
Things in December for the holiday season, specifically those who celebrate Christmas, and other interesting events:
Pensacola Winterfest: All December long
The Snowball Derby: Dec. 4th-7th
The Dinner Detective: Dec. 13th & 27th
Pensacola Christmas Parade: Dec. 13th
Midnight Masquerade at Perfect Plain: Dec. 31st
New Year’s Eve Fireworks: Dec. 31st
Pensacola is known for having a variety of activities; all ages, all hobbies and interests. These are only a handful of the things going on in town. For more information about your community, there are plenty of places to check. Social media, such as Instagram or FaceBook, are reliable places to look. You can also search online; a lot of websites have information about their events. The possibilities are endless. Remember, there is always something going on within your community.